Photo Classes

Photo & Video Classes

Each day of PhotoCon LA there will be 20 different 60 minute classes covering a wide variety of photo and video related topics. Classes are free on a first come first serve basis with PhotoCon LA tickets. PhotoCon LA is honored that so many of the most respected names and vendors in the industry will be joining us to present these photography and video classes. Keep checking back to see the exciting class schedule develop.

SATURDAY MAY 21

CLASSROOM 1

Award-winning photographer, podcast host and author RC Concepcion hosts this presentation. During which he will go over how to use the Mitros+ flash system to create simple single light portrait to multi light portraits. As well as the benefits found in the Phottix system. He’ll also cover how to move up to the Indra 500 light system and show you how you can use both small and large light setups to realize your photographic vision.

Erik Valind is a freelance photographer, born and raised on the Florida beaches, now living in New York City. Specializing in commercial lifestyle photography and environmental portraiture – airy and energetic imagery defines the style and vision of this top pro photographer. Erik also shares his visual approach, techniques and passion for photography internationally as a speaker at major photo conferences, as an author, and online as a CreativeLive and KelbyOne instructor.

Jim’s presentation will begin with a showing of some of his most recent photographic work in the studio and on location, then Jim will demonstrate his techniques for his signature style portraits. Jim is an engaging instructor and always draws a large audience, so be sure to get here early to get a good seat. Learn the top tips from a top pro!

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Pentax: Joey Skibel – How professional photographer, Joey Skibel, elevated his photography and workflow with the new PENTAX K-1.

Join working professional, Joey Skibel, as he dives into how the new the PENTAX K-1 and the PENTAX 645Z have become his go-to, exclusive camera setups. Joey will share key features of each camera, explain his seamless workflow between full frame and medium format, demonstrate with images how each camera has helped his career and share insights into making your photographic endeavors a success with full frame and medium format systems. Joey’s work with the PENTAX 645Z and now the PENTAX K-1 has landed him exclusive celebrity weddings, sponsored trips around the world, placement is many landscape galleries and on the front covers of magazines including POP Photography, PDN and Rangefinder.

Jim Schmelzer will teach you how to light everyday people. He’ll break down the specifics of where the lighting should be and why. After attending this seminar, you will have the confidence and understanding of how to take studio portraits to the next level using constant lighting.

CLASSROOM 2

Join post-production specialist Jon Carr at the Canon Experience stage to learn more about why the Canon C300 Mark II is great for your next production. The Canon C300 Mark II camera is packed full of advanced features with a nod to the future by incorporating wide color spaces, high dynamic range and 4K that makes your content ready for HDR. Jon Carr has created video content for the award-winning Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX and a 360-Degree 14K immersive video installation for the Mayor of Los Angeles to help recruit the Olympics in 2024. In this session, Jon will take a look at many of the advanced features of the C300 Mark II and how they impact post production when editing and color grading footage. He will also do a live color correction demo of Canon Log 2 footage where you will learn tips and tricks on getting the most out of your imagery.

After all the work that went into taking the best photo, the next step is post processing the image for printing. In this class, award-winning photographer, author and podcast host, RC Concepcion will teach you how to get the very best out of the image for the final print. Techniques inside of Lightroom and Photoshop will be gone over to make sure you can squeeze out every bit of color, tone, and detail out of your images for the final print. RC will go over the step by step process needed to get what you see on the screen ready for the final print!

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Canon Photo: Joel Grimes – The Creative Revelation

Joel Grimes feels that we are, without question, in photography’s greatest age. We have more tools to create today than ever before in the history of mankind. The question is how do we compete in today’s marketplace? Joel starts by redefining the photographic process and emphasizes the fact that if you have a passion to create, then you are by definition an artist. It is this uniqueness that in the end is our greatest asset as we try and separate ourselves from the masses. He will cover all aspects of the creative process everything from keeping up the trends to overcoming your competition.

Not every film should be shot on the same camera. Each camera and lens package creates a different look and feel. In this session, award winning cinematographer Eve M. Cohen will discuss how choosing the right gear for your project is essential to executing your vision of the film. Eve’s work ranges from independent feature films to reality TV and documentaries and most recently cinematic virtual reality. Eve has filmed projects for VICE, CNN, MTV, A+E, Sundance, Lifetime and History.

CLASSROOM 3

Meet Nikon’s newest Flagship cameras! Nikon’s National Training Specialist Paul J. Van Allen will give a fun and fast paced overview of many of the top features of the new Nikon D5 and D500 cameras. Nikon’s most advanced cameras to date. Get a more in depth look at these two cameras and the features that are turning the heads of many of the world’s top photographers.

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lexar: Jeff Cable – How to get great sports photos (whether it is the Olympics or your own kids)

Best known for capturing photos for the US Olympic Committee, Jeff Cable has earned respect around the globe. Both for his extraordinary photography from the past four Olympic Games but also as one the most watched photography instructors in the world. His online photography classes have earned him millions of views and great admiration. In this session, Jeff will be sharing tips for getting great sports photos from your own kids to world-class athletes.

1:30pm – 2:30pm – Panasonic: Giulio Sciorio– 4K for Photographers

Technology like 4K video is blurring the lines between motion and still photography. Where do photographers fit in? During his 4K for Photographers class, Giulio Sciorio will focus on how photographers can embrace 4K technology while staying true to their photographic roots.

August Bradley is a Cinematographer & Filmmaker making a full range of TV commercials, branded content, narrative drama, music videos, and interactive digital media. August is a Zeiss Ambassador whose work has received the American Movie Awards “Best Music Video” prize, Hasselblad Masters award, PDN Photo Annual selection, and Graphis Gold designations.

The new mirrorless cameras are changing the approach to photography, formerly dominated by a reliance on a raw file workflow! Lee Varis presents a new digital capture workflow that leverages the strength of mirrorless cameras featuring the new Fuji X Pro-2. During this session, Lee will demonstrate how to utilize the film simulation modes of the Fuji X Pro-2 camera for creative visualization, and shows how to eliminate the post processing back end almost entirely. If you are tired of working on the computer to prepare your images, you must see this presentation! Lee Varis is a photo-illustrator and master of post-processing techniques with over 40 years of commercial photography experience. His work has been featured on numerous movie posters, video box covers, CD covers,brochures and catalogs. He is responsible for the moth on the iconic “Silence of the Lambs” movie poster and was the photographer of the Starship Enterprise on most of the original Star Trek movie posters.

CLASSROOM 4

Many of the world’s leading location and studio photographers use Capture One. This class,led by David Grover of Phase One, will help you to discover why they choose it as their primary RAW converter and asset manager – and how you can get the best out of it. The class will give a comprehensive overview of Capture One from supercharing your workflow and using i t to convert and adjust RAW files.

12:00pm – 1:00pm – SoCal Leasing: Barbara Griffith– How to Start a Business

Starting a new business is an exciting time that raises many questions. Learn how to start a business and optimize your goals to make the best choices for your company. During this one-hour class by Barbara Griffith, President of Southern California Leasing, you will be armed with information to help you navigate the challenges of starting a new business and begin generating revenue.

Family man Kalani Robb is in his later thirties. He barely looks 25. Considering he was part of the Momentum Generation you’d think he was older, but as Ross Williams said, “Kalani was the young grom of our group. We were pretty easy on him.” Kalani and his young family spent quite a bit of time on his home turf, on the North Shore of Oahu but, currently calls Orange County home, putting his time in at Lowers.

Kalani is a US Open Champion, 2 time X-Games Silver Medalist and has spent 12 years on the asp world tours top 44.

The Digital camera industry is experiencing rapid change. During this presentation by Sony’s Senior Technical Representative,Rob Shelley, you’ll gain insight into the award-winning Sony technology that is moving the the industry forward. Shelley will highlight how Sony product innovations such as the a6300 Camera, G Master Series of lenses, as well as Sony sensor and processing technology address, and even institute Industry change. Whether you’re a current Sony owner or in the market for a new Imaging system, take time to get informed and find out why many are switching to the Sony Alpha Camera system.

SUNDAY MAY 22

CLASSROOM 1

Learn how Dean Zulich uses his go-to compact location lighting kit, Elinchrom ELB Quadra, whether he is shooting fashion in Los Angeles or traveling the world. Dean is a native of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina residing in Los Angeles, California. In addition to his success at the Vh1’s TV show The Shot, his client list includes NIKE golf, Hot Wheels, Playboy, ConAgra Foods, USC and more.

I began shooting skateboarding by accident, literally by an accident I was 17 years old trying to make it as a professional skateboarder. I was shooting my first skate ad introducing me as the new am for Acme skateboards. While shooting my first ad I ended up blowing out my ankle. Reconstructive surgery and a year later I could push around but not pursue my dreams of being a pro skater. I still wanted to be around my friends and the skate scene so I hijacked my best friends camera to film my other best friend. I have been so lucking from that day till now I have been doing what I love. I have worked for Transworld skateboarding magazine where I made 7 films with Jon Holland, from there I went to work for Habitat skateboards, and spent the last 6 years at Nike making them 4 full length skate films.

After shooting DSLR for more than 20 years, adventure and travel photographer Dan Bailey has made the move to mirorrorless. He now exclusively uses Fuji X cameras for his work. In this presentation, Dan will detail how he uses Fuji X gear in his style of fast moving outdoor,adventure and travel photography. He’ll discuss the advantages in order to expand your creative boundaries with photography and give tips on how to ge tthe most from your Fuji X cameras.

Jim Schmelzer will take you step by step through the theory and techniques behind great studio lighting. Get an in depth overview of the seven different patterns of light, such as Split, Broad, Short, Rembrandt & Butterfly, to name a few, and when to use each pattern.

A recipient of the American Society of Cinemtographer’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Dean Cundey, ASC first attracted widespread attention when he collaborated with John Carpenter on 1978’s Halloween. He has gone on to work on such noteable films as Escape from New York, The Thing, Big Trouble in Little China, Back to the Future, Apollo 13 and Jurassic Park. During this session, Dean Cundey,ASC will be discussing the making of Jurassic Park and specifically it’s impact on Sci-Fi Adventure as a genre.

CLASSROOM 2

Come join Product Trainer Loren Simons from the Canon Hollywood Professional Technology and Support Center as he gives a technical walk-through of the EOS C300 Mark II. This session is ideal for anyone interested in the EOS C300 Mark II and does not require a technical background, just a desire to learn. Topics such as expanded dynamic range, encoding options, and gamma curves will be discussed as well as how they directly relate to your production. Loren Simons also demystifies such complex topics as Color Space, Bit Depth, and Chroma Sub-Sampling in this information packed 45 minute session.

Surf photography requires a certain level of careful planning, hard work and a bit of sheer luck. Join Zak Noyle, one of the best surf photographers in the world, at the Canon Experience stage as he takes you on a deep dive into how he utilizes the Canon EOS technology in all of his adventures on land and in the sea.

When pressed for time or working with a small budget, there is a lot you can accomplish with one light source. In this one-hour class, commercial photographer Laura Tillinghast will demonstrate four distinct lighting looks using just one Canon Speedlite. Laura will also illustrate easy ways to improve skin tone, add sparkle to the eyes and get the best poses from your subject. After this class you will be inspired by the many approaches you can take with one light.

After all the work that went into taking the best photo, the next step is post processing the image for printing. In this class, award-winning photographer, author and podcast host, RC Concepcion will teach you how to get the very best out of the image for the final print. Techniques inside of Lightroom and Photoshop will be gone over to make sure you can squeeze out every bit of color, tone, and detail out of your images for the final print. RC will go over the step by step process needed to get what you see on the screen ready for the final print!

Michael Ori, founder of Ori Media and Studio Elevn in Salt Lake City, Utah has produced a wide range of media from fashion narratives to national commercial campaigns. In this class, he discusses how he has utilized a wide array of Canon products to build his business. From light to ink, everything Canon, including the versatility of the Canon 1DX Mark II producing both still, video and print assets simultaneously. This is made possible by the internal 4k capabilities of the new Canon 1DX Mark II, the Canon Pro 1000 and Michael Ori’s technique of pulling the perfect still from video.

CLASSROOM 3

10:30am – 11:30am –Nikon: Paul J. Van Allen– Landscape Photography

Have you ever marveled at the truly stunning images of National Parks? The Beach? The Golden Gate Bridge? Wondered what lens should you use, if you need a filter or the best camera settings? If so, this is the landscape photography class you need! You will discover some of the most useful set-up tips and shooting tricks for creating great landscape images. We will take a closer look at both the traditional and not so traditional gear choices you should have in your camera bag. In short, this seminar will get you ready to make stunning photographs of your next great adventure!

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lexar: Jeff Cable – Business of Photography: How to make money in this ever changing industry

Best known for capturing photos for the US Olympic Committee, Jeff Cable has earned respect around the globe. Both for his extraordinary photography from the past four Olympic Games but also as one the most watched photography instructors in the world. His online photography classes have earned him millions of views and great admiration. In this session, Jeff will be sharing information on how to make money through the business of photography.

Jim will begin his presentation with a showing of some his most recent creative work in the studio, and on location. For Jim, Glamour Photography is an attitude, it’s a style, and it’s a discipline. Then Jim will work his magic to demonstrate how he makes engaging portraits that bring out the best features in his subjects. Choosing the right lens and the right lighting is critical in his mission.

Join working professional, Joey Skibel, as he dives into how the new the PENTAX K-1 and the PENTAX 645Z have become his go-to, exclusive camera setups. Joey will share key features of each camera, explain his seamless workflow between full frame and medium format, demonstrate with images how each camera has helped his career and share insights into making your photographic endeavors a success with full frame and medium format systems. Joey’s work with the PENTAX 645Z and now the PENTAX K-1 has landed him exclusive celebrity weddings, sponsored trips around the world, placement is many landscape galleries and on the front covers of magazines including POP Photography, PDN and Rangefinder.

Erik Valind is a freelance photographer, born and raised on the Florida beaches, now living in New York City. Specializing in commercial lifestyle photography and environmental portraiture – airy and energetic imagery defines the style and vision of this top pro photographer. Erik also shares his visual approach, techniques and passion for photography internationally as a speaker at major photo conferences, as an author, and online as a CreativeLive and KelbyOne instructor.

CLASSROOM 4

Learn how to find financing for your business! Acquiring the capital you need for your business can be challenging, but not if you know what options are available for you. During this one-hour class by Barbara Griffith, President of Southern California Leasing, you will learn how to find financing options for your business and familiarize yourself with the benefits of equipment financing to help move your company forward.

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Profoto: Dan Cuny– Off Camera Flash

Whether you’re new to studio lighting, wanting to start a portrait business, or an established working pro… get ready to add some new tricks to your bag. Profoto offers some very unique portable lighting solutions for the photographer looking to take their lighting on location. What sets Profoto apart from all the rest is its unique the ability to “shape the light!” Come meet Profoto’s Dany Cuny as he shares his 40 years of photography experience and demonstrates and explains how their portable lighting solutions can make your lighting experience simpler. This class is meant to open your eyes to new possibilities of making simple portraits. There may even be some new and exciting products new to the Profoto line of light shapers that will be discussed in this event.

1:30pm – 2:30pm – Panasonic: Giulio Sciorio– 4K for Photographers

Technology like 4K video is blurring the lines between motion and still photography. Where do photographers fit in? During his 4K for Photographers class, Giulio Sciorio will focus on how photographers can embrace 4K technology while staying true to their photographic roots.

The Digital camera industry is experiencing rapid change. During this presentation by Sony’s Senior Technical Representative,Rob Shelley, you’ll gain insight into the award-winning Sony technology that is moving the the industry forward. Shelley will highlight how Sony product innovations such as the a6300 Camera, G Master Series of lenses, as well as Sony sensor and processing technology address, and even institute Industry change. Whether you’re a current Sony owner or in the market for a new Imaging system, take time to get informed and find out why many are switching to the Sony Alpha Camera system.